Q: Who do I contact if I have questions about the cruise?
A: Email your questions about the cruise to info@espnatsea.com.
Q: What is included in the price of the cruise?
A: Cruise rates are calculated based upon occupancy and include the 5-night cruise fare, taxes, fees, gratuities, most meals in the main dining areas, some beverages, most onboard entertainment, and all ESPN MVP Cruise activities.
Q: What is not included in the price of the cruise?
A: Air transportation, transfers to and from the Port of Tampa, optional travel insurance, shore excursions, specialty dining, spa services, items of a personal nature (ex. laundry, telephone calls, Internet access, etc.), some beverages (sodas, bottled water, alcohol, etc.), photographs, medical services, etc., are not included in the cruise fare.
Q: What is the Payment Schedule?
A: Payment in full is required at time of registration.
Q: What is the Cancellation Policy?
A: Cancellation fees for cruise reservations will be assessed depending on the date of cancellation, as noted in the Cancellation Fee Schedule below. Cancellations must be completed in the online registration system at http://www.regonline.com/espnatsea2013-jewel or requested by sending an email to info@espnatsea.com. The amount of the cancellation fees is based on the date of cancellation, as stated in the Stateroom Cancellation Fee Schedule below. A change in reservation, but not a total cancellation, such as a stateroom category downgrade, may result in fees being assessed.
Requests for refunds must be made in writing to info@espnatsea.com. All refunds are subject to a $5.00 processing fee. No refunds will be made in the event of interruption or cancellation by any passenger after commencement of the cruise. No refunds will be given for cruise no-shows.
Reservations that are not paid in full by the final payment due date of November 9, 2012, are subject to cancellation and in the event a reservation is canceled, a cancellation fee will apply (see Cancellation Fee Schedule below).
Once any payment is received, the reservation is subject to cancellation fees according to the following schedule:
| Cancellation Date | Cancellation Penalty |
| Time of Reservation to October 1, 2012 | 25% of total stateroom cost |
| Between October 1 and November 30, 2012 | 50% of total stateroom cost |
| On or after December 1, 2012 | 100% of total stateroom cost |
Airline ticket cancellation is subject to the cancellation policy of the specific airline.
Q: Should I purchase Travel Insurance?
A: Travel/cancellation insurance is highly recommended for all passengers. Travel Guard, a Chartis company and worldwide leader in travel insurance and assistance, provides products and services to millions of travelers around the globe. Click here for more information about Travel Guard’s offerings. It is the sole responsibility of each passenger to purchase travel/cancellation insurance.
Q: How do I make changes to my existing reservation?
A: Changes to existing reservations can be made through our cruise reservation website: http://www.regonline.com/espnatsea2013-jewel
Q: When is the deadline to make name changes to my reservation?
A: You have up to 4 weeks prior to sailing to make name changes.
Q: What documentation is required to cruise?
A: Proper travel documentation is required at embarkation and throughout the cruise and is the responsibility of the guest. Any guest traveling without proper documentation will not be allowed to board the vessel and no refund of the cruise fare will be issued. All travelers must have a government issued passport. For further information see U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Travel documents (passports) must be valid up to 6 months from the date of disembarkation. Royal Caribbean strongly recommends that you have a passport to facilitate onward travel arrangements in case an emergency requires you to leave the cruise. For more information on required travel documents click here.
Q: Who may sail?
A: Please make sure that everyone in your stateroom is eligible to sail.
- Infants who are at least 6 months old on the day of departure (February 2, 2013) may sail.
- Women who will be less than 24 weeks into their pregnancy on the day of departure and for the duration of the cruise, may sail. This policy is due to the risk of premature labor. Pregnant women must have a letter from their doctor (on the physician’s letterhead) stating how far along (in weeks) their pregnancy will be at the beginning of the cruise, that mother and baby are in good health and fit to travel, and that the pregnancy is not high-risk.
- Adults aged 21 or older may sail. The Cruise Line shall refuse boarding to any guest under the age of 21 unless the guest is:
- traveling in the same stateroom with an individual 25 years or older; or
- traveling in the same stateroom with their spouse (proof of age and/or proof of marriage are required).
Guests not conforming to these policies will be denied boarding and no refund of the cruise fare will be issued. Sorry, there are no exceptions to these policies.
Q: When and how will I receive my stateroom assignment and cruise documents?
A: Approximately 4-6 weeks before the sailing date, you will receive an email containing your stateroom number and booking number for the cruise. The email will contain directions on how to register with Royal Caribbean online in order to print your boarding documents for embarkation day, sign up for shore excursions, make specialty dining reservations and register a credit card for onboard purchases. All guests are required to complete this online registration prior to cruising.
Q: How do I book shore excursions?
A: You can purchase shore and land excursions after you receive your booking number for the cruise (approximately 4 to 6 weeks prior to your sail date). You can book excursions online or you can wait and book them at the Shore Excursions Desk onboard the cruise ship.
Q: Do I need to tip the cruise ship staff at the end of the cruise?
A: For the ESPN group, gratuities are included with the price of the cruise fare (which includes stateroom steward, dining room waiter, bus boy and head waiter). If someone went above and beyond to assist you, you are more than welcome to give them an additional gratuity.
Q: How do I make purchases onboard?
A: The cruise ship operates on a cashless system. Guests can validate their SeaPass card with their Visa, MasterCard, Novus, or American Express card, or sign for payment by cash or traveler’s check. Guests can then sign all onboard services and purchases to their account. At the end of the cruise, guests will receive a completely itemized statement. Royal Caribbean does not accept personal checks, and only U.S. currency is accepted aboard the ships. There is an ATM located onboard the ship.
Q: What are the closest airports to the cruise port?
A: Tampa International Airport (TPA) is approximately 10 miles (25 minutes) from the Port of Tampa.
Q: What time should I arrive at the pier?
A: Guests should arrive at the pier at least two hours prior to their departure time. If you do not complete the Online Check-In on the cruise line’s website in advance, as required, you will need additional time (more than two hours) to complete the registration process at the pier.
Q: How early can I board the ship?
A: Guests may be able to board the ship as early as 11:30am, as long as US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has given clearance to begin boarding.
Q: What is the address for the Port of Tampa, Cruise Terminal 3?
A: The address for Cruise Terminal 3 is 815 Channelside Drive, Tampa, FL 33602.
Q: What are the directions to Port of Tampa?
A: Directions from Tampa International Airport (10 miles):
- Exit the airport and follow signs for I-275 North. I-275 will merge with I-4 East.
- Follow I-4 East to Exit 1.
- Go south on 21st Street and turn right on Adamo Drive (Hwy 60), then left onto Channelside Drive.
Directions from Orlando:
- Take I-4 West to Exit 1.
- Go south on 21st Street and turn right on Adamo Drive (Hwy 60), then left onto Channelside Drive.
Directions from I-275:
- Take I-4 East to Exit 1.
- Go south on 21st Street and turn right on Adamo Drive (Hwy 60), then left onto Channelside Drive.
Q: Is there parking at the Port of Tampa, Terminal 3?
A: Cruise Parking is available in the Tampa Port Authority Channelside parking garage, immediately across the street from Terminal 3, 810 Channelside Drive. Parking is $15.00 per day and no reservations are needed. In addition, valet parking is available at Terminal 3 for an additional charge. Prices are subject to change.
Q: Will there be a refrigerator in my stateroom?
A: There is a refrigerator in each stateroom. Be advised these refrigerators have soft drinks and other beverages stocked in them. If a guest chooses to drink a beverage from these refrigerators they will be charged for each item removed from the refrigerator.
Q: What is the bed configuration in staterooms?
A: All double occupancy staterooms have two twin beds, which can be converted to one queen bed. Some staterooms can accommodate more than two people and have a sofa bed or Pullman beds.
Q: Can I reserve a wheelchair?
A: Royal Caribbean provides complimentary wheelchairs for getting on and off the ship. If you would like to have a wheelchair or scooter during the cruise, you are welcome to bring your own or rent one from a company that provides wheelchairs and scooter rentals for cruises. Please note this in the Special Requests section when registering.
Q: What types of accessibility options are available in staterooms?
A: There are a limited number of wheelchair accessible staterooms available onboard the ship. For people that do not use a wheelchair, but still need minimal assistance, bars and raised toilet seats can be accommodated in most staterooms. In addition, disposal units for needles, refrigerators for medication, and oxygen tanks can be put into most staterooms upon request. Please send an email to info@espnatsea.com if you have an accessibility need or question.
Q: Can the ship accommodate special dietary needs?
A: Royal Caribbean can accommodate special diets onboard. These diets have been created in consultation with a dietary specialist; selections offered are for lunch and dinner in the main dining room only. Sample diets include: vegetarian, vegan, diabetic, low fat, low sodium, low cholesterol, kosher meals, gluten free, lactose free. Please note all special dietary needs in the Special Requests section of your reservation.
Q: Can I bring my own beverages (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) on the cruise ship?
A: Guests are not allowed to bring alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages onboard for consumption or any other use. Alcoholic beverages that are purchased in ports-of-call or from shops onboard will be stored by the ship and delivered to your stateroom on the last day of the sailing. Alcoholic beverages seized on embarkation day will not be returned.
Q: Will I need Immunizations?
A: No special immunizations are required.
Q: Getting on and off the ship in Ports of Call – is there a charge?
A: Absolutely not! We welcome guests to go ashore and enjoy the various ports of call. The only thing required to debark and re-board the ship is your SeaPass card and a photo ID (driver’s license) or passport. Your SeaPass card is the card the cruise line will present to you on embarkation day. This card also is your stateroom key and your means for purchasing items onboard the ship.
Q: What is the price for bottled water and soft drinks onboard?
A: The cost for an 8-ounce bottled water onboard is approximately $3.00 and a can of soda or a fountain soda is approximately $1.95. However, there are water and soda packages available. Prices below are subject to change.
Fountain Soda Package – The fountain soda package entitles you to unlimited refills at any bar or lounge, Windjammer Café, Main Dining Room, and Royal Caribbean’s private destinations. A complimentary Coca-Cola® souvenir cup is included as part of every fountain soda package. The cost for the soda package is $6.00 per day for adults and $4.00 per day for children (under 18). A 15% gratuity is added to the cost.
Bottled Water Packages - Let it flow! Quench your thirst with an Evian® Sports Cap .750ml bottled water. Below are the costs for the water packages (by quantity of bottles). A 15% gratuity is added to the cost.
8 bottles = $28.45; 12 bottles = $40.30; 16 bottles = $50.50; 24 bottles = $71.10
Q: Is there support for dialysis on the ship?
A: Guests requiring continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis are welcome to board all Royal Caribbean International® vessels. However, Royal Caribbean does not have the ability to assist or administer hemodialysis treatments. However, Dialysis at Sea specializes in the treatment of hemodialysis care and may be able to assist. Their contact information is below.
Dialysis at Sea
Toll Free: 800 544-7604
Intl: 001-813-775-4040
Email: info@dialysisatsea.com
Web: http://www.dialysisatsea.com/
Q: What is the Smoking Policy onboard?
A: Royal Caribbean ships are non-smoking; however, there are designated public and private areas on the ship where smoking is allowed.
Q: What is the customs procedure upon returning to the Port of Tampa?
A: Detailed instructions about clearing customs will be provided by the cruise director during the departing talk on the last day of your cruise. We highly recommend you attend this important and informative talk. Below are some general guidelines to keep in mind as you shop in foreign ports.
Keep receipts for gifts and purchases. U.S. residents visiting foreign ports have a duty-free allowance of $800 and those 21 years or older may include one liter of liquor.
Q: What are the onboard dining options?
A: Complimentary dining options include:
- Main Dining Room with multi-course dining for breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Windjammer Café
- Pizzeria
- Room Service*
These Specialty dining options are additional charges:
- Chops Grille
- Portofino Italian Restaurant
- Café Latte-tudes
- Other Various Snack Venues
*Late night service charge applies to room service orders between midnight and 5:00 a.m. Additional charges apply for specialty dining venues. Specialty beverages, beer, wine and soda are charged separately and are offered at current bar menu prices.
Q: Is room service complimentary?
A: A select room service menu is available to all guests on a complimentary basis. Please note a nominal fee applies between midnight and 5:00 AM.
Q: What type of entertainment and activities will they have onboard?
A: Onboard activities and entertainment include, but are not limited to:
- Complimentary Broadway-style entertainment in the Main Theater
- Vegas-style Casino Royale® with 212 slots and 12 tables
- 16 bars and lounges that never have a cover
- Duty-free Shops Onboard featuring name brand jewelry, perfumes, apparel and more
- 3 pools, pool bars, whirlpools, an adults only Solarium area
- State-of-the-art Fitness Center, with classes including yoga and Tai Chi
Q: Is there Internet access onboard?
A: Yes, you can access the Internet for a fee in the Internet Café onboard the ship or by using your own laptop and registering for a wireless account. Please visit the Internet Café once onboard for a comprehensive list of fees associated with Internet access while onboard.
Q: Will my cell phone work while at sea or in ports of call during the cruise?
A: You should contact your cell phone provider regarding roaming rates for the ports of call. While sailing, Cellular at Sea is available to make and receive calls if you have international roaming capabilities on your cell phone – this can be very expensive to use. Once onboard, inquire about rates for Cellular at Sea service.
Q: Is laundry service available?
A: Yes, there is laundry, dry cleaning and pressing service available for a fee.
Q: Are there hairdryers available in the staterooms?
A: Yes.
Q: Are there irons and ironing boards available in the staterooms?
A: None of the staterooms have irons or ironing boards. However, there is a full laundry and dry-cleaning service available onboard for a reasonable rate. Please also note that irons are strictly prohibited onboard the ship. If you choose to bring one with you, it will be confiscated from your luggage before sailing.
Q: Can I bring an iron or a steamer on the cruise ship?
A: Irons and/or steamers are not allowed onboard the ship.
Q: Do staterooms have safes?
A: Yes.
Q: Is there a coffee pot in the staterooms?
A: No there is not a coffee pot in the staterooms. Coffee is always available in the Windjammer Café.
Q: Does the ship have a fitness center?
A: Yes, there is a state-of-the-art fitness center, which is complimentary to all guests.
